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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 63 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are an irresistible, flavorful dish cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Marinated in a tangy and sweet blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and optional honey and lime juice, the chicken thighs become tender and juicy with a glossy, sticky coating. Ready in under 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder or fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for a tangy finish)

Other

  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger, and lime juice until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking the chicken thighs evenly.
  4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and stickiness. The chicken is done when golden, sticky, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Enhance stickiness: For an extra glossy and sticky finish, brush the chicken with additional sweet chili sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) if you want more intense flavor.
  • You can substitute fresh grated ginger for ginger powder if preferred.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you may bake the chicken in an oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway, but the air fryer gives a crispier finish.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on your desired sweetness level or omit it entirely for a less sweet dish.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds add a nice textural contrast and visual appeal.

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Find it online: https://comfortkitcheneats.com/sticky-sweet-chili-chicken-thighs-in-air-fryer-recipe/